The agreement also calls for NIU to travel to Lincoln, Neb., for football games on Sept. 2, 2017 and Sept. 14, 2019.

“Ever since the Iowa game this past September, I’ve been asked about the next Huskie home game at Soldier Field,” NIU athletic director Jeff Compher said in a statement. “I am very pleased to announce this 2016 game in Chicago with Nebraska, one of the most storied programs in college football. This series would not have come together without the efforts of (Nebraska Director of Athletics) Tom Osborne, so I especially want to thank him for his willingness to work with us to schedule these three games.”

“The benefits of playing at Soldier Field cannot be overstated,” Compher said. “It’s a beautiful NFL venue that allows us to showcase our team and program to recruits, and to connect with our alumni base in the city. We are so grateful to be able to continue this partnership with the city of Chicago, the Park District and Tim LeFevour and his SMG team.”